Public Safety

Posted on: February 28, 2016

12 Arrested After Violence Erupts at Pearson Park Protest.

ANAHEIM, CA - At approximately 12:10 pm on Saturday, violence erupted when six suspected members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) arrived on the south side of Pearson Park for a planned walking protest. Initial reports indicate a group of approximately 30 counter protesters immediately confronted the KKK group, which resulted in two KKK members being stomped on the ground by counter protesters and three counter protesters being stabbed by members of the KKK group. One of the stabbing victims was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but his condition has been upgraded to stable. The two other stabbing victims are in stable condition. One of the stomping victims was transported to the hospital in stable condition, while the other suffered minor injuries and refused treatment.

Five members of the KKK group, four males and one female, were arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon for the stabbing incidents. Seven of the counter protesters, six males and one female, were arrested on suspicion of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury. All of the arrestees were adults, with the exception of one male juvenile from the counter protester’s group. After further investigation, including review of video evidence, four of the arrestees were released. “Even if the vast majority of our community disagrees with a particular group who visits our city we cannot stop them from lawfully gathering to express their opinions,” said Police Chief Raul Quezada. “Violence is not acceptable, and we will arrest anybody who assaults another person or commits any other crime in our city.”

He continued: “Our investigators are in the process of thoroughly reviewing all the evidence from today’s incidents, including interviewing witnesses. Once completed, we will forward our findings and recommendations for prosecution to the District Attorney’s Office. We will keep the community informed as details warrant. I implore everyone to maintain peace and order in the aftermath of this incident.”

The Anaheim Police Department was aware of both the planned KKK protest as well as the counter protest. As such, a contingent of personnel were dedicated to the event. Those officers were on scene immediately as the violence erupted and called for additional personnel. Our response was such that we were able to arrest all of the main participants in the incident, with the exception of one. We are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect pictured below. Chief Quezada continued, “Accommodating peaceful, non-violent demonstration and expression of speech is a priority of my Department, and this planned rally was no exception. Preventing violent confrontations is always our goal; unfortunately the handful of individuals committed to criminal behavior this afternoon caused the violent episode. As we do following any incident such as this, we will take a critical look at our performance to ensure we continue to provide the highest level of service to our community.”

“We will always honor free speech in Anaheim, but we vehemently reject hate and violent confrontation,” Mayor Tom Tait said. “Anaheim is proud to draw strength in its diversity, tolerance and kindness, and Saturday’s events run counter to that. I want to thank the Anaheim Police Department for the critical role they played to protect lives and quickly restore peace.”

The suspects who were arrested were all booked at the Anaheim Detention Facility. The following are the arrestees:

ABOUT ANAHEIM — Anaheim is a full-service city supporting more than 358,000 residents, 20,000 businesses and 25 million annual visitors. The city provides public safety through the Anaheim Police Department and Anaheim Fire & Rescue, water and power service through Anaheim Public Utilities, parks, community centers, family services and libraries through Anaheim Community Services, neighborhood and transportation improvements through Anaheim Public Works and community revitalization through Community & Economic Development. Anaheim is a modern, diverse city with a proud history dating back to its 1857 founding. Anaheim is known worldwide as the home of the Disneyland Resort, including Walt Disney’s original Disneyland Park, as well as Angel Stadium of Anaheim and Angels Baseball, Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks, and the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest on the West Coast. Anaheim’s thriving visitor industry and business community help support the city’s neighborhoods and make Anaheim a great place to live, work and play. For more, please see www.anaheim.net.Back to top